Moving soon? Don’t forget to call the USPS and transfer those utilities! Not sure how to get started on setting up your utilities? Before you begin packing boxes, take a look at these 10 simple tips for transferring your utilities when moving.

1. Get organized First thing’s first: before you move, familiarize yourself with all of your current utility service providers. Utilities usually include cable and internet, water and sewer, gas, electricity, satellite, security system, trash and phone. We recommend noting these monthly service providers by writing their phone numbers and contact information on one general list. If you’re planning on changing providers when you move, be sure to write down any new contact information.
2. Research new utility service providers Moving to a new city or area of the country often requires using a different utility company altogether. Before you move, research the utility service providers in your area to assess options. In many cases, you may not have an option – as there’s only one utility service provider for certain utilities in many cities. We recommend checking with your local government and city websites as well as asking Realtors and local experts for utility provider recommendations. If you’re moving within the same city or state, you’ll likely be able to use the same providers as before.
3. Notify utilities of your move a few weeks in advance Once you’ve organized all of your utility information, you’ll need to start contacting each provider separately to let them know you’re moving. We recommend contacting most providers at least two to three weeks in advance. For utility services that require an installation appointment, it’s a good idea to call a month in advance. These usually include cable and internet services as well as security system providers, such as ADT. When scheduling your disconnect and reconnect dates for gas and electric, consider making the disconnect date a day after moving or (if selling the home) on closing day. This way the lights and HVAC will still be working, just in case you need to return to the home to pick up anything left behind. If you live near your new home, consider scheduling your gas and electric connection for the day before your move. This way, you can go ahead and turn on the AC or heat, if moving in extreme weather.
4. Arrange your water and sewer service through the city When it comes to water and sewer services, these will most likely be handled through your new city or town. Arrange for the service to begin on closing day (or moving day, if renting) by contacting your city’s public utilities office a few weeks beforehand. If moving to a new city with a new water/sewer service, ask your real estate agent and the home’s former owners for a rough estimate of the costs. Water bills vary by city and location, so for budget purposes, don’t assume that water and sewage will cost the same as it did in your former house.
5. Check if the HOA covers utilities Moving to a community with an HOA (homeowners’ association)? If so, your HOA fees may cover basic utilities, including water and sewer, gas and trash pickup. Paying one monthly bill to the HOA instead of five separate bills to various utility companies will certainly make paying monthly bills an easier and more seamless process.
6. Update your address When calling the utility service providers, be sure to provide them with your new address. This way, you’ll be sure to receive any and all future bills. Of course, it’s also a good idea to change your mailing address with USPS. By going to USPS.com, you can easily select the date that you wish to begin forwarding your mail.
7. Pay overdue bills before moving Whatever you do, don’t forget to pay any overdue bills before moving. When calling the utility service providers, simply ask whether or not you currently owe anything. If so, be sure to pay off these outstanding balances before closing day and/or moving, as these could potentially hurt your credit score and prevent the sale of your home. Paying off balances also means a clean slate and a fresh start in your new home.
8. Do a final meter reading Before moving, have your utility service providers come to your house and conduct a final reading of the gas, electric and water meters. Just in case you receive any unexpected bills after moving, keep a copy of the meter reading reports for your records.
9. Double-check that all utility services are ready to go It doesn’t hurt to double-check that all of your stop/start dates are ready to go. Before moving to your new home, we recommend calling your existing and new utility service providers to confirm stop/start dates. This way, you don’t move into a dark, cold house that isn’t ready for residents. And you won’t be paying for utilities in your old home once you move out. When confirming stop/start dates, double-check that all of your contact and billing information is correct as well.
10. Conduct a home energy audit of your new home Finally, once you’ve moved into your new home, I recommend scheduling for a technician to come and perform a home energy audit. This audit will let you know if you need to improve the insulation, ductwork or furnace in your new house. Essentially, it informs a homeowner how and where the air is leaking into the house. 

Saving Money on Utilities

To save money on internet, cable and security monitoring services, take a good hard look at what you’re really paying for. For instance, are you paying for unnecessary channels and cable plans that you aren’t actually watching or using? Is it possible to bundle cable and internet together? Could you pare down any unnecessary security equipment? It’s always a good idea to call these utility service providers and compare rates and package options to ensure you’re getting the best deal possible for your household.

Other low-cost ways to save money on utilities. These tips include:

• Air drying dishes
• Installing a programmable thermostat to increase your energy efficiency
• Turning power strips off when not in use
• Turning lights and electronics off when not in use
• Lowering the thermostat on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit
• Taking shorter showers and using low-flow showerheads
• Air drying clothes
• Using Energy Star products, such as light bulbs, home appliances and electronics
• Checking for air leaks in the home
• Checking for open fireplace dampers

Other Important Tasks to Complete Before Moving

Besides transferring and setting up your utilities, there are plenty of other tasks to complete before moving. Important to-dos on your moving checklist should also include:

Pack – Finally, it’s time to pack! After gathering supplies, start the packing process by boxing up items that you won’t be needing in the immediate future. Non-essentials may include seasonal clothing, books, picture frames, art and other home decor. Box up your essentials last, as you’ll be needing these a week before your move. These include kitchen items, important documents, and pet supplies. Also, don’t forget to pack an overnight bag of essentials for your first night in the new home. Pajamas, toothbrushes, and other toiletries are a must.

FAQs About Transferring Utilities When Moving

How much does it cost to switch utilities over?

Costs vary by utility companies and providers. Some companies do charge a transfer fee or reconnect fee. When calling to set up and/or transfer your utilities, we recommend asking if there are costs and fees for transferring utilities. If the utilities are completely shut off, then you’ll likely have to pay a fee for starting them back up again.

Does the title company transfer utilities?  

Outstanding utility balances from local governments (think: a water bill) may be found during a municipal lien search by the title company. This outstanding balance could create a lien on the property and delay the transfer of title. So, while it’s on the buyers and sellers to transfer utilities, the title company could flag an outstanding balance that delays the closing.

Can I have electricity in two houses when moving?

Yes, many people own multiple homes that require electricity and other utilities. If you own more than one home, you can have utility services at both houses in the same name – just different addresses.

How do I transfer utilities when renting?

Take a look at your lease to see which utilities you are responsible for. Landlords will typically cover some of the utilities – but not always. We recommend asking your landlord for the preferred utility service companies to use. To set up utilities in the same city, call your provider several weeks before the move to transfer service from one place to another on your moving date. To set up utilities with a new provider, give the company a call and/or check the company’s website for sign-up information.

I forgot to transfer my utilities. What should I do?

Moving is a busy time, so it’s not surprising that some people simply forget to transfer a home’s utilities. If the utilities are shut off completely, you’ll need to call the service providers to schedule a reconnect/start date. Keep in mind you may have to pay costly installation and start-up fees. To avoid this, we recommend calling utility companies several weeks in advance to transfer utilities over to your name. Certain utility companies, such as cable and security companies, are often booked weeks in advance. Be sure to book your appointment as soon as possible.